Google Maps Engine gave [users] an easy way to add much more complex overlays and give them custom styles based on their attribute data in the application, without writing any JavaScript code or using any API’s.

I'm wondering how many users GME users Google has. I do not recall hearing its name much after it was launched in 2013. The announcement last Monday that GME would be shut down prompted bloggers from companies that might pick up some companies to fly their flags. They used a variety of tactics detailed below.

Google

Google suggests using other Google solutions, but was surprisingly quiet after sharing the news via e-mail with GME users.MangoMap

Many of our customers are are former users of Google Maps Engine who have migrated over to Mango to benefit from our wider selection of map tools, more comprehensive styling options and our customization features that allow the interface of your map application to be closely aligned with the brand of your organization.

Safe Software

The "Switzerland of geospatial" offers 6 Google Maps Engine Alternatives including Esri, Mapbox and iSpatial and details how its software can help in the transition. Safe does not offer a replacement, but can play an important supporting role. Update 1/29: more details on the "how."

While GME may be biting the dust, there’s a whole host of alternatives available for users looking to emigrate from Google’s platform and who will carry on visualising their spatial data, blissfully unable [unaware] that they’re actually using a GIS platform.

One Final Note

In researching the article I did find one instance of GME being touted in a press release.

GeoUnderground is the company's powerful cloud-based geographic information system (GIS) constructed around Google Maps Engine and the Google Maps API. GeoUnderground enables users to securely gather, share, view and edit all types of geo-referenced information from the field with their laptop, tablet or phone.

I guess like the other GME users and developers, it's back to the drawing board for Geospatial Corporation.

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Update 1/31/15

Esri

Esri's @CityEngine, based in Switzerland, tweeted the company's response:

Google and #Esri are working closely to provide replacement software + training to all Google enterprise customers http://ow.ly/Ig0EN